I wish it Were Me.

When I was a little girl, and I got hurt, my Mom was always there to fix me up, give me a snack and usually say the following….“I wish it were me.”
“I wish it was Mommy who got stung by the bee instead of you... Or  "I wish it were Mommy who scraped her knee instead of you..." and so on.
As a little child I remember how much I appreciated the sentiment. Deep down, I knew what she meant. She didn't want to see me hurt. She would of traded places with me in a heartbeat if she could.
She is a Mom and it is what Mom’s do
It just made sense.
Now I am the Mom, and so it made even more sense that I wanted to trade places with Evan last Monday the day he got hurt by a sting ray.
I wish it were me baby....
I said that to him in the ambulance and Evan looked at me and said "No Mommy, I am glad it wasn't you." It was one of the many moments in the back of that rig where I teared up and leaned into kiss him saying "I love you Evan, I love you I love you...."
And I still wish it were me...
Because What!?!?!
I mean a Sting Ray??
I, couldn't help to think of Steve Erwin the famous "Crocodile Hunter" who got a string ray barb to the heart and died. I remember thinking then "What?!?!"
I mean the craziness.

It was day two of our spring break journey.  We had landed on Daufuskie Island just off of Hilton Head where my parents have a small home.  It is the place I have been coming to since I was 13 years old.  I am sure you have heard me babble about Daufuskie before but I just love it down there.  So beautiful and the beach has always been one of our favorite places to take the boys.  It is quiet, remote and almost always we have the place to ourselves.

Just arriving for a day at the beach. 

Boys play happily with a sand crab before going to try the water.

We had been on the beach for about an hour and I had decided to wade into the water with the boys to see how shallow it was.  While standing next to Evan in knee deep water he began to yell and then jumped back in fear.
"Dang it.” I thought to myself. "A jelly fish I bet." So my Mommy instincts kicked in. Ryan to my left aware that his brother was crying and heard me say the word "Jellyfish” leaped towards me and grabbed my hand.
"It is okay it is okay." I said calmly. "Let's get out of the water.” Evan was still crying but I didn't know anything. Everything was under water. My job was to get the boys out and fast. No more stupid jelly fish are going to sting my babies!
And then Evan cries a cry I am not sure I have ever heard.
"It bit me it bit me" he screamed... He lifted his leg up his ankle exposed as we get to the shore and I see it. I jagged round puncture wound, immediate swelling and blood, too much blood for a mommy's eye to ever see.
"Not a jelly fish..."
I knew it was a string ray. I knew this because my husband has fished off this beach for years and has pulled in string rays. I knew it because I had witnessed a string ray injury in Florida years ago, a woman who got stung on her big toe. That puncture wound that looks likes someone jabbed a pencil in you.  It was unmistakable. That woman in Florida went into shock and passed out on the beach. It was one of the many things I was so fearful would happen to Evan.
Because we too were on a beach, a remote, quiet beach on an island, with no hospital in sight.
God, I wish it were me....
Chris, hearing Evan's cries, has met us down by the water. "He is bleeding" is all I can get out. A neighboring couple has also walked over and has offered us a bottle water to pour over his wound. But I can speak I can’t even tell her thank you. My baby was hurt and I didn't know what to do...
Yet, somehow,  I did, and so did Chris for that matter and like clockwork two parents with one hurt child and another scared out of his mind child jumped into action, wrapped Evan's legs in a tee shirt, grabbed my bag and raced to the golf cart. Daufuskie Island may not have a hospital. But they have a fully staffed fire department and EMS station just a few minutes from the beach. That is where we headed. It was the longest ten minutes but we made it and Evan had stopped crying but had gone eerily stoic. I kept talking to him making sure he wasn't going to pass out on me all the while reaching back to rub Ryan's head and tell him his brother was going to be okay... One of the many moments as a Mom I wished I had arms and hands long enough, flexible enough to wrap up both kids under my protective wing.
When we arrived we were greeted by 3 firemen who once they saw was a hurt child surrounded us pretty quickly. My husband explained what happened and one of the paramedics was by our side before I could blink. They confirmed it was a string ray bite and we needed to get his leg into hot water quickly. This was the only moment I went into psycho Momzilla mode.
"Hot water?!?!" I said sternly. “No he needs pain medicine, a double dose of Motrin, Tylenol....DRUGS for God sakes he is HURT!”
But, as they explained to me calmly and proficiently, (in which despite myself, really did appreciate) hot water not only takes the sting away but also helps prevent the poison from spreading up further into his leg.
So hot water it was and hot water worked. And so did the emergency response system. Chris and I had to separate at this point. I went with Evan in the ambulance and Chris took Ryan back to my folk’s house (who thanks goodness were vacationing with us). Protocol for string ray injury especially in kids is to be seen at the hospital, get an X-ray to make sure part of the barb is still not in his leg. If it is and goes untreated or unnoticed, it could get infected.
So ambulance number one takes us to the boat dock where water taxi is waiting for us. The whole time the EMS worker has Evan's leg submerged in a water balloon like sock full of hot water which has seemed to ease his pain quite well.

Two of the awesome paramedics load Evan up on the water taxi. 

When the water taxi docked we were met by Hilton Head Fire and EMS in Harbor Town and via stretcher had Evan up and ready for ambulance ride number two. If you have been to Harbor Town you know of all the little shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Everyone was watching and staring and giving the sad face when they saw a small kid on a big stretcher. Yet as we walked past one of the outside cafe's everyone started clapping. It was a sweet moment in what had been a crazy hour of my life.

Evan's leg being tended too in Harbour Town.

At this point Evan has started to realize he was a bit of a celebrity. After the clapping and "hang in there buddy" shout out from another passerby his spirits seem lifted.  The ride to the hospital takes about 15 minutes and I got to ride in the back with Evan and senior fireman and Paramedic of station # 8. He was a Dad himself and told Evan he has lived in Hilton Head his whole life that he too has been stung by string ray, twice actually and that he knows how bad it hurts.
“You are such a brave boy.” He says. In between taking vitals his leg.
“I have seen grown men cry for much longer than you have over a sting ray sting.”
“Neat.” Evan replied and I was so relived and so grateful for that Paramedic who not only took care of Evan’s leg but talked to him, personalized with him, put him at ease which in turn put me at ease.

When all was said and done, we were in the ER in just under an hour from the beach. I have a new found respect for the Daufuskie Island Fire and EMS whose station we always passed and took pictures of the boys when they were younger in front of the fire trucks. The way they got me and Evan over to the mainland in such a quick fashion even though Evan’s injury was not life threatening (thank you heavenly father for that.) The ER visit was just as pleasant given the fact my adrenaline had worn off and the sight of you baby on a hospital bed with his leg wrapped up really is anything but pleasant. But all the nurses and doctors were great and one of them managed to find a green Popsicle to give to Evan (his favorite).

We also were given a full on demonstration of what is called the "Sting Ray shuffle.” In low tides, shallow water where sting ray's sometime hangout you shuffle you feet along kicking up sand to shoo away a loitering ray who really was probably just as scared as Evan when they encountered each other
Thankfully the X-ray results came back negative and just as we were about ready to be discharged Chris arrived to drive us back to the ferry dock. We thanked everyone and they sent us packing with a prescription of antibiotics and double dose of Motrin to go.

The famous String Ray bite or "sting"

All the while Evan handled himself unlike anything I have ever seen. And maybe just maybe the point to when something bad happens is to see the good in someone. In this case I saw the good in more than one. I saw Ryan whose general concern and sadness over his brother will always touch my heart. I saw my husband who just as scared and upset as I take over emotionally and got us to the Fire station quickly and efficiently all the while making sure I was just as okay as Evan. The paramedics, oh, the paramedic on both sides. So sincere and so nice and I was so grateful and appreciative that from now will always hold a soft spot for those guys and hope to one day go back and thank them.
And then there is the patient. Evan himself who all of six years old showed me a sign of bravery I didn’t know he had in him. Evan who we have been struggling with lately in all of his six years old "hears me roar" glory. Evan, who cries over the silliest stuff at home, stopped crying after 10 minutes. And he didn’t cry or whine once the next day when his brother got to go swimming but Evan had to sit out, his bandage leg not allowed getting wet for 48 hours. He held himself together and I saw a glimpse of maturity and calmness in him that I will treasure as part of his sweet little spirit.

And then there is the string ray, that stupid string ray who was just defending himself has reminded me that young or old, we all get stung from time to time. We all forget to shuffle our feet along, jumping in sometimes without thinking. And while I still wish it were me who got in the way of the string ray I have seen a new side of my son, my family, my love for all of them.
I told Evan this a few days later while we were walking along a small stretch of sand during low tide collecting shells. He said that he was thinking about going back in the ocean but not for a long time. I told him it was very brave to want to try, to face your fears and now we know how to shuffle we can try it again when he is ready.
“In four weeks.” He tells me exactly. I laugh and tell him I love him.
He smiles and says the same back to me. He has grown up a little bit over all of this and as I watch him put an oyster shell in his bucket I am reminded so suddenly that all the wishing in the world won’t change the fact that it was him instead of me. That there will be moments where Mommy can only do so much can only say so much that the rest is left up to them as they take step closer to yet another "life learning" moment.
"And Mommy I pick you to come with me, I will show you how to do the shuffle."
"Really Babe, you pick me?"
"Yup, I pick you because you are my Mommy and I don't want you to get stung."
That is right baby, I am your Mommy."
And at that moment more than anything I am so glad it is me.

Me and brave little Evan the next day at the pool.



Few More to share....

 

Evan hanging out in the shade with his books and batman computer.

Grandaddy keeps him company

Ryan who is so used to playing with his brother made some new friends.

Here he is telling them the rules of the game. He was the oldest, and he loved every minute of it.

Still all smiles.

More post and pictures of our vacation coming soon....

It could be a Problem.

I might have a problem with this whole photography thing.....
But let me explain.
First, I wasn't looking for a new hobby, a new past time, a new way to spend my time in my already crazy Mommy world of pure...well....Craziness!
But it started when I began taking pictures for my "other" blog.....My other baby, my new adventure in helping other Mom's grow their business. My ability to be inspired and stay inspired...My outlet for finally being a writer... HELLO dream finally come true!!!
And I am not even 40 (okay so I am close but what the freak ever).
Back to the Togging. You see that is slang for being a Mommy Photographer... Yup, I tog now. Totally togging here. I even like saying it....Tog Tog Tog...
I am fully aware of my dorkiness in case you were wondering.
But I have a point.... And that ever important point is I own children.... Children who are growing faster and with that growing brings changes. Lots of changes. I mean Evan is six.... SIX!!!
And Ryan is FIVE. I no longer own toddlers; I barely own pre-schooler’s.... I now own boys real full on growing boys...
And if I don't take pictures of them now, of their precious little faces, of their amazing smiles and devilish grins, I may forget I may not remember.
I mean I will, but I won't.
Ahhhhh You know what I mean. I am a Mom. I photograph I just do.
TOG TOG TOG!!!
Yes, I have set backs. First (in case it wasn't clear in the first paragraphed I own boys). Two sweet, yet stubborn, little boys who have developed an extreme (sometimes cranky) dislike of being photographed. Oh sure it was easy at first... M&M's and the occasional dollar definitely helped. But that only lasts for so long, not to mention the ever knowing, ever wise and ever Mr. “Smarty Pants” who is in Kindergarten likes to lecture me from time to time on how much sugar we eat in and how that effects our caloric intake.
He means well....
The five year old however could care less. I love that about him. Carefree and goes with the flow a PERFECT photo subject. If only he would stand still and okay smile.
And so it begins, a new challenge a new love a new passion for something I have been doing my whole life. Photography!
Because I also own a husband who is too wonderful for words and supports every ounce of my crazy self encouraged me to take a photo class last month.  I was so fired up and ready. Especially, after I purchased, my very first DSLR. I mean how techy savy does that sound. A DSLR wahooo....
DSLR, plus class, plus sometimes cooperative kids, plus a new insight, a few lessons and a eye for anything remotely photogenic has turned my life into a walking autofocus of life that I can't wait to capture, one blissfully, non-perfect, SUGARY yet perfect image at a time.

Some of my faves of late.....

The Little Performer.

What a wonderful surprise it was when shortly before church service ended, in came the Kindergartner’s and first graders to recite the Lord’s Prayer. I remember last year watching the older kids getting to come into worship from time to time and I couldn’t wait until my boys were old enough to do the same. I mean after all we have raised good, sweet, humble and respectful little boys right? Surely they would shine in any public setting.

Well, in they came and Evan is now old enough to be a part of this group. He also happened to be first in line which put in next to Ashley, the children’s worship coordinator. Yup, that is him in the red shirt standing slightly off from the rest of the group (and I promise I combed his hair before we left the house). That is him “performing” if you will. And yes that is him flirting with his zipper in CHURCH.
Dear Father….
I am so glad someone recorded this, his father and I missed most of it after we dove under the chairs when he proceeded to wipe his nose with his shirt. I knew it was over when I heard the clapping and then a gentleman behind us said “Gee, that little boy must be hell on wheels” Why yes, yes he is. But he is MY hell on wheels and I told the gentleman so proudly (and wanted to remind in he shouldn't say "hell" in church but I took the higher road) . Later in the foyer where people gather and mingle afterwards, Evan had more of a crowd around him than the Pastor.
“You were so cute….”
“Evan you cracked us up…”
“We loved seeing you give your Mom the thumbs up sign.”
He handled his new found fame with high fiving everyone and then proceeded to join his brother in climbing all over the chairs in the worship center while Chris and I were left to deal with his groupies. If I didn’t know any better I could have sworn I heard him say “I will have my people call your people.”
We didn’t leave until almost an hour later.
Later in the car Chris gave Evan a lecture on how to be “humble” when Ms. Ashley is talking about praying and how when you are up on stage you are up there for God and not to entertain everyone.  I would have chimed in of course but I was too busy trying not to crack up all over again.
In the end I do believe he did well, and he seemed happy to be a part of the service. So enjoy the video clip (some of the audio is heard to hear) but I betcha you will smile at not only Evan (particualy at the end) but all the kids and their sweet rendition of The Lord’s Prayer.

Spring is Coming - A story in Pictures

I just love when pictures can tell a story.... So this post will be told differently. Yes, there will be an actually "posting" but I plan to let the photos tell most of my story. Humor me if you will because I recently purchased a Canon Rebel XT from one of my Mommy friends who is also a fantastic photographer. I have the camera I have wanted for over a year now so what is a girl to do when she has a new toy?

PLAY!!!

So I will begin my picture story with a brief prelude - First off as you know it is early March. However

Mother nature is confused and thinks it is May. We have had record breaking temps hovering in the mid to upper 70's for the past few days and even had a day last weekend where we hit 85.

Several things occurred during this breakout of warm temps:

1) I went into an extreme panic when I put on a pair of shorts.

2) I went into an even more extreme panic when I walked by the mirror and saw my white, pasty, out of shape thighs, (and my recent order of Girls Scout cookies aren't helping).

3) A quick glance at the calendar tells me I have less time than think to try and rectify the situation. Which makes me panic even more, which makes me have an extra beer which is also not helping.

4) But I digress....

Warm temps also bring on new adventures, new experiences and this thing....

For the Boys latest adventure which is this...

Compliments of this Guy!


Yes, both boys are currently signed up for spring practice and Chris, ever the "thinking ahead" sort of guy. Decided to turn our backyard into a mini baseball camp. I mean T-Ball camp, as my 5 year old always corrects me.  Because I, know nothing about T-ball. In fact I know nothing about baseball. The only sport I love and follow is football. But since I apparently have a panic disorder I am not sure I will allow either child to play football. Assuming I will have a say in the manner (which I probably won't) because of this guy....

And this guy...

Yes, Ryan is my Sports enthusiast if you will.  Anything "ball" related he is all about it and then some. 

Not that Evan didn't get into the swing of things.....

Becuase he did..However, notice the 3 balls behind him in a neat line.

In fact, here he is arranging the balls in perfect unison.

Here he is again so proud of the fact that he has one more to his collection.

Some things with Evan never change, the boy has been putting things in order since he learned how to use his hands.

My Turn!

Nope not even close....



Then we had a brief "vogue" moment.

And I get to play with my camera some more...

However we have lost Evan to a sandbox "experiment"

 Filling up a ballon up with water from the "Pumper Truck" is clearly more entertaining than T-Ball.

Another brief pause for a "Sky Shot"

The budding Tree of course terrifying me becuase pollen is on the way.

In other news we also went to the Beach for a weekend getaway.  We belived the weather guy when he said Tybee Island, GA would be in the 70's.  So we packed the car and drove 4 hours south.

And found out the next day...

He Lied....

And Lied...

And Lied Some More...

It is okay though we got to walk around and I learned that Tybee Island is an Island of "Signs"

And they also have a local park....

And a Turtle to act silly in front of.

The next day the sun came out and it was much warmer.

And I got my famous "Toes in the Sand" shot

And the Boys got to Play...

And Play..

And of course Get soaking Wet...

THE END!

On behalf of myself and my new camera, thanks for humoring me. I am now off to the Gym where I will proceed to do the "walk of shame" considering it has been 3 months since I have set foot in there.

Ahhh.... Spring has sprung. Say CHEESE!!